Happy Fountain Day, Kansas City, from Van Osdol, P.C.! Today, over 200 registered fountains will be opened, bringing life back to a dormant metropolis. Kansas City’s fountains set the city apart from any other city in the country, which is why we wanted to share some interesting information about some of our favorite fountains.
The oldest fountain still in operation is located at the intersection of 9th and Paseo and is the second municipally-built fountain constructed in Kansas City. George Kessler and John Van Brunt designed the fountain in 1899 and 90 years later, the fountain was named The Women’s Leadership Fountain by the Central Exchange who raised money for its restoration. The fountain features the names of 13 women who have made notable contributions to Kansas City.[1]
The J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, located on the Plaza at West 47th Street and J.C. Nichols Parkway, is the most photographed fountain in Kansas City. The four equestrian statues were sculpted by French sculptor Henri Greber in 1910. The statues were originally located at the home of Clarence Mackay in Long Island, New York, but found their current home in Kansas City in 1957. These figures are said to represent four major rivers: the Mississippi, Volga, Seine, and Rhine Rivers.[2]
Lastly, located at the South end of Penn Valley Park at West 31st Street and Pennsylvania Avenue is the Firefighters Fountain and Memorial. The fountain was erected in 1991 after an explosion in 1988 claimed the lives of six brave Kansas City firefighters. The fountain features two bronze firefighters overlooking an 80-foot wide basin and is surrounded by 48 streams of water. The fountain is only part of the larger memorial dedicated to Kansas City’s fallen firefighters.[3]
With more fountains constantly being added, Kansas City is always striving to live up to its nickname “The Paris of the Plains.” If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit these fountains or any of the hundreds of other fountains located throughout Kansas City!
Blog by:
Spencer Mammen
